The Holy Post

Americans are spending more time alone, inviting fewer people into their homes, and struggling to build meaningful friendships. What's behind the decline of hospitality, and what can the church do about it? Live from New York City, Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn are joined by pastor Rich Villodas to discuss the loneliness epidemic, our growing preference for digital entertainment, and why real community requires more than just joining a small group. They also explore the difference between feeling fear and being controlled by it, and why following Jesus means risking vulnerability and even getting hurt. Plus, can Skye and Kaitlyn pass Phil's news quiz?



Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
https://holypost.substack.com/p/20ad4f8c-1863-493d-bd7c-672c35ff294b?postPreview=free&updated=2026-10-20T17%3A15%3A00.531Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true
 
Bonus Q&A Video:
https://holypost.substack.com/p/bfa4011c-d648-48fd-bc14-68904f22d49a?postPreview=free&updated=2026-10-20T20%3A08%3A09.883Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true
 
0:00 - Show Starts
 
1:44 - Ukeleles and Airports
 
5:40 - Theme Song
 
5:20 - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!
 
6:19 - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST
 
8:05 - New York, New York
 
11:14  - Phil's News Quiz Show
 
19:39 - Rich Villodas!
 
22:28 - Cancelled Livestreamed Execution
 
31:30 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you
 
32:34 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST
 
33:22 - The Death of Hosting
 
50:32 - Obligation and Community
 
1:11:17 - End Credits



Articles Discussed in News Segment:
Grandmother Breaks Planking Record:
https://people.com/grandmother-breaks-own-record-planking-world-record-at-5-hours-12170377
 
AI Causes Illegal Hunt: https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/09/28/misleading-google-ai-instructions-cause-kodiak-woman-to-be-cited-for-illegal-snipe-hunt/
 
Traffic Blocked by Giant Object: 
https://nypost.com/video/giant-inflatable-pumpkin-breaks-loose-in-north-carolina/
 
Finnish Chef Sets World Record:
https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2026/10/chef-chugs-500-ml-of-his-favourite-orange-soda-in-just-a-few-seconds-to-claim-record
 
Man Sets World Record for Catching Something in His Mouth:
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/10/13/guinness-world-records-david-rush-paper-planes-mouth/5211791898743/
 
The Decline of Dinner by Derek Thompson:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/10/americans-socialization-dinner-decline-hosting/688846/
 
Resources:
Rich Villodas on Lanterns:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-218929631
 
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
 
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
 
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Following last week's episode about the death penalty and a Southern Baptist leader calling for public executions, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the execution by firing squad of the man who killed 13 soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009 would be livestreamed. Skye is back with his take on what the Bible says about the death penalty, and why the brutality of public execution would make America more like ISIS than Jesus. Televangelist Jim Bakker died this week. Phil tells Bakker's messy story, how he exemplified the entrepreneurial spirit within evangelicalism, and even sings a song about Bakker's scandals. John Mark Comer is back to discuss his new book, "Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a world of noise." He explains why the modern church has abandoned the discipline of silence, and why we need it now more than ever. Also this week—kids, coloring books, and communion at Kaitlyn's wedding.



Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
https://holypost.substack.com/publish/post/220256160?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
 
0:00 - Show Starts
 
5:40 - Theme Song
 
6:03 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!
 
7:44 - Livestreamed Executions
 
19:46 - Executions in The Past
 
29:13 - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!
 
30:13 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST
 
32:02 - Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker
 
41:42 - Phil's Lost Bakker Song
 
47:00 - The Bakkers and Trump
 
53:19 - Interview
 
55:42 - Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise
 
1:04:04 - Starting Your Spiritual Formation
 
1:13:28 - Our Fear of Silence
 
1:28:58 - End Credits
 
1:29:30 - Sponsor - The Pour Over - Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Check it out at  https://pod.link/1583657464
 
Articles Discussed in News Segment:
Andrew Walker on the Death Penalty:
https://eppc.org/publication/what-the-modern-state-gets-wrong-about-execution/
 
Resources:
Into the Quiet: Following Jesus in a World of Noise by John Mark Comer: https://amzn.to/3VOepF6
 
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
 
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
 
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Why is Pope Leo drawing massive crowds in one of the most secular countries in Europe? Phil, Kaitlyn, and Mike Erre talk about the Pope's surprising celebrity in France and whether people are becoming more open to Christianity when they see it lived with sincerity and conviction. Then, after a botched execution in Tennessee, some Christian leaders are calling for a return to public hangings and firing squads. Is the death penalty really demanded by Christian theology, or does the gospel call Christians toward a different vision of justice and mercy? Finally, Skye talks with Todd Deatherage about escalating settler violence in the West Bank, the political fallout from the Iran war, and why support for Israel is shifting across the American political spectrum. And Phil has found a Chihuahua with a very important job.



Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
https://holypost.substack.com/p/741-celebrity-pope-christian-bloodlust?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
 
Bonus Interview with Todd Deatherage:
https://holypost.substack.com/p/when-theology-becomes-a-weapon-bonus?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
 
0:00 - Show Starts
0:58 - Theme Song
1:20 -  Sponsor - Ridge - The Ridge 5-in-1 Power Bank, power on-the-go without compromise! Get 40% off Ridge by going to https://www.ridge.com/HOLYPOST
2:47 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!
3:48 - The Mexican National Guard's Cutest Agent
21:30 - Christians and the Death Penalty
34:15 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.
35:18 - Sponsor - Garrett Theological Seminary - Garrett has a program for you!  Apply by December 31st to receive a guaranteed scholarship covering 65–100% of tuition to begin a Master's degree for Fall 2027. Go to https://www.garrett.edu/holypost
36:30 - Eye for an Eye?
52:23 - Interview
53:53 - Update on Gaza and the West Bank
1:01:30 - Is a Two-State Solution Still Possible?
1:15:22 - Israel's Election
1:25:51 - End Credits
 
Articles Discussed in News Segment:
Mexico's National Guard's Cutest Member:
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cke878yzngd8o
 
The Death Penalty:
https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/10/what-the-modern-state-gets-wrong-about-execution/



Resources:
Telos Group: https://www.telosgroup.org/
 
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
 
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
 
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Is empathy becoming a liability in American Christianity? Phil, Kaitlyn, and Mike Erre discuss the growing backlash against empathy and why some conservatives argue that too much compassion can lead to bad politics, bad theology, and even the decline of Western civilization. They also look at Russell Moore's warning about the "fear-driven church" and how anxiety about God, outsiders, and our own communities can shape the way Christians think and behave. Then, Kaitlyn talks with psychologist Alison Cook about attachment theory, the limits of human relationships, and why no other person can give us the security we ultimately need. Plus, what Lewis and Clark's bathroom habits can teach us about American history.



Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
https://holypost.substack.com/publish/post/218066312?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
 
0:00 - Show Starts
1:18 - Theme Song
1:40 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you
2:36 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.
4:53 - Writing in Epcot?
7:05 - News of the Hindquarters
12:45 - The Anti-Empathy Movement
20:05 - Christianity and "Western Civilization?"
37:21 - The "Fear-Driven Church"
51:13 - Interview
56:21 - Therapy Culture and the Church
1:03:44 - Security in Christ
1:24:58 - End Credits
1:25:30 - The Pour Over - Stay informed while remaining focused on Christ with The Pour Over Today. Check it out at  https://pod.link/1583657464
Articles Discussed in News Segment:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/09/maga-right-christianity-empathy-toxic/688755/



Resources:
The Secure Soul: Finding Inner Strength and Connection When Trust Doesn't Come Easy by Alison Cook: https://amzn.to/3VjvuXi
 
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
 
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
 
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Podcast hosts, ASSEMBLE! Phil, Skye, Kaitlyn, and Esau come together to debrief the new books by Kristen Kobes Du Mez, Bonnie Kristian, and Charlie Dates, as well as their recent interviews on The Holy Post. They each critique or defend evangelicalism, but who's right? Is evangelicalism worth fixing? Does the current debate unknowingly center only white experiences of evangelicalism? And is evangelicalism even a thing, or just a category pollsters made up? Plus, the team wrestles with their own responsibility and calling in the Christian media marketplace.
 
Holy Post Plus:
Ad-Free Version of this Episode:
https://holypost.substack.com/p/817a857f-dc0d-4d90-b029-e81e8b62b28d?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-22T21%3A00%3A38.053Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true
Getting Schooled - Baptism 201:
https://holypost.substack.com/p/29fcb625-2936-450e-be1f-e93c8b0621e8?postPreview=free&updated=2026-09-22T21%3A17%3A05.196Z&audience=only_paid&free_preview=true&freemail=true
 
0:00 - Show Starts
 
1:18 - Theme Song
 
1:40 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST
 
2:40 - Sponsor - AG1 - Use the discount code BACK2ROUTINE for 20% off of your first order at: https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST
 
4:29 - Phil's Mysterious Illness
 
5:37 - The State of Evangelicalism
 
16:40 - What Sells
 
21:32 - Evangelicalism vs. the Mainline
 
26:04 - Would You Raise Your Child Evangelical?
 
30:20 - Moved by Media or Always Corrupt?
 
40:50 - What's the Better Question?
 
51:08 - What's the Takeaway?
 
1:05:49 - End Credits
 
Books Discussed in News Segment:
In Defense of Evangelicalism by Bonnie Kristian: https://amzn.to/47aShaj 
 
Live, Laugh, Love by Kristin Kobes Du Mez: https://amzn.to/4xFicC0 
 
What Has Justice to Do with Righteousness? by Charlie Dates: https://amzn.to/46FB6NV
 
Resources:
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus
 
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
 
Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop
 
The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.